The shortlist has yet to be announced by the BBC for Sports Personality of the Year, but there are plenty of people who have thrust themselves into contention thanks to a huge 2017 for British sport.
Whether it’s been winning titles or showcasing themselves as a pillar of the community, British athletes have set the bar high. But who will come out on top?
Here’s our look at the main SPOTY contenders for 2017…
Anthony Joshua
Anthony Joshua finally got chance to prove himself as a world class heavyweight this year in an epic encounter with legend Wladimir Klitschko.
A real battle, the 2012 Gold Medallist knocked Klitschko out in 11 rounds, hitting the canvas himself during the fight and proving he can take a hit and get back up again.
Joshua is a clear favourite to win Sports Personality of the Year next month at 1/ 4, but there are plenty of others in with a chance.
Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton is at 6/1 to pick up the SPOTY trophy for the second time.
2017 has led the Formula One ace to his fourth Championship, putting him ahead of Jackie Stewart and behind only Michael Schumacher and Juan Manuel Fangio on the all-time list.
Chris Froome
What a year it’s been for Chris Froome. The Team Sky rider retained his Tour de France crown for the third year and securing the Yellow Jersey for a staggering fourth time.
Not only did he lead Team Sky to victory in France, he also picked up another Grand Tour in the Vuelta a Espana, only the third man ever to complete a Tour-Vuelta double.
To cap that off he also won two Bronze medals at the Road World Championships just a week later.
Jermain Defoe
While sporting achievement most often leads the charge when it comes to SPOTY, we mustn’t forget the personality aspect and Jermain Defoe has that in abundance this year.
The friendship he developed with young Bradley Lowery captured the hearts of the world as the six-year-old battled hard against a rare form of cancer.
Bradley lost his fight sadly but the work both his family and Defoe have put in should not go unrecognised and Defoe’s relationship with the inspirational Sunderland fan perhaps makes him the biggest Sports Personality of 2017.
Defoe is at 16/1 to win SPOTY but we’re sure the entire football community will be right behind both Defoe and Bradley, a remarkable team that brought the entire sport together.
